A workshop with Columbus Jungian analyst, Richard Sweeney, Ph. D. will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24. The workshop will go from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. It will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 West Dixon, Oakwood, Ohio.

The workshop is sponsored by the C.G. Jung Association of Miami Valley. The title is: THE ALCHEMY OF EVERY DAY LIFE. Alchemy, when viewed symbolically, provides insight to life situations, dreams, fantasies, and emotional reactions. The study of alchemical symbols can reveal one’s current psychic situation and point the way toward wholeness. We will focus on case studies, dream material, alchemical pictures, and the shared experiences of the participants. Everyone is welcome.

The C. G, Jung Association is a not for profit organization and has provided the Miami Valley area with quality programming for twenty-five years.

Inner Dance celebrates Yoga Day on Jan. 24

Inner Dance Yoga Center in Oakwood is joining in “Yoga Day USA” on Saturday, Jan. 24, where yoga centers across the country open their doors to free classes. During Yoga Day USA, instructors will teach a variety of classes including the more athletic hot yoga, yoga for beginners, gentle yoga for those who prefer a slower a\\\or gentle approach, and prenatal yoga for expectant moms. There’s even a meditation class if you would just like to learn to slow down and breathe. After each session, there will be refreshments as well as drawings for cool yoga gear and free chair massage. Check out the schedule and choose the class that interests you. No reservations required.

Hola, amigos! Oakwood Spanish students from elementary through high school are hosting the first ever Festival Hispano. All are invited to celebrate. There will be karaoke, dancing, food, a running of the bulls, crafts, and much more! Las Piramides is providing food for only $5 a person and torta de tres leches, a famous dessert, for only $3.

Come and enjoy the Spanish atmosphere and learn from the OHS students about the cultures and customs of the Spanish-speaking world. The festival will be held in the West Gym of OHS on Sunday, the 25th of January from 2 to 4 p.m.

While all this is happening, center stage will feature a variety of presentations.

The wind musicians of Oakwood Junior and Senior High will display their talents in concert on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Oakwood High School auditorium. The community is invited to attend the performance.

The Oakwood Marching Band will kick off the concert. Then director Ron Nelson will lead the wind performing groups through the highlights of their winter and spring repertoire. The concert bands from the junior and senior high will perform, as will the jazz band and chamber ensembles.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Premier Community Health offers free screenings

Knowing your cholesterol and blood pressure can save your life. You can learn these important numbers for free — right in your community. In honor of American Heart Month, Miami Valley Hospital will provide free cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), blood sugar and blood pressure screenings throughout February.

Screenings are free and everyone is welcome. No appointments or fasting is needed.
“Heart disease is the nation’s number one cause of death,” said Pamela Reichel, executive director of Premier Community Health, which is part of Miami Valley Hospital. “Getting screened and knowing your numbers can save your life. Even if you find out your numbers aren’t what you want them to be, knowing you have a problem gives you the power to do something about it.”

High blood pressure increases the chance of having a heart attack or stroke. And often, a heart attack or stroke can be the first sign you have high blood pressure. It’s called “the silent killer” because you can have no signs of a problem — no dizziness, bloody nose or headache — and have dangerously high numbers. Knowing your blood pressure, and following your doctor’s instructions to control it, is very important.

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Lowering total cholesterol that is too high reduces the risk of heart disease and of having a heart attack, even if you already have heart disease. Your HDL, or good cholesterol, is the number you want to raise. An HDL of 60 or higher can actually give you some protection from heart disease. Keeping your cholesterol numbers in a good range is important for everyone.

If an individual needs a lipid test done, PCH can help with that, too. A lipid test is a laboratory test that tells you your total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. This is a fasting test. Appointments are required and available Monday through Friday at Samaritan Clinical Laboratory and select Compunet Clinical Laboratories. For an appointment, call CareFinders at 1-866-608-FIND (3463).

More than 30 events are being offered in the greater Dayton region. For a complete listing of locations and times, call CareFinders at 1-866-608-(FIND).

Free Lifesteps info sessions

Miami Valley Hospital is offering a free informational session to learn more about LIFESTEPS, a twelve-week weight management program led by registered dietitians. The sessions will be held at Miami Valley South Health Center located in Centerville at Interstate-675 and Wilmington Pike. The first informational session was held Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 6-7 p. m. Call Premier Heart Works at (937)438-5483 for advance registration and for more information.

At the Wright Library...

Folktales Feb. 2 to April 14

Starting on Feb. 2 and ending on April 14, Wright Library will continue its “Folktales Around the World” series for homeschoolers grades 1-6, held on consecutive Mondays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Activities including folktales being read to the group, a craft, and a snack based on 11 different countries including China, Mongolia, Canada, Argentina, Iceland, India, Sweden, Kenya, Ireland, Morocco, and Mexico.

Books related to that day’s topic will be available for check-out. Children do not need to live in Oakwood to participate, and parents are welcome to stay. All programs will meet in the Library Meeting Room.

For more information, please contact the Youth Services Department at 294-7171. Wright Memorial Public Library is located at 1776 Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood.

Online resources class offered

You know that Wright Library has a website, but do you know about all the amazing online resources that you can access through the library website in the comfort of your own home?

On Monday, Jan. 26 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., a Wright Library reference librarian will demonstrate how you can go online 24/7 and access research databases, newsletters, blogs, and more! The program will be held in the library meeting room. No advance registration is necessary. Anyone with questions can contact the Reference Department at (937) 294-7171.

Wii® Golf and Bowling is now @ the OCC! Wii is being used in rehabilitation centers, and senior centers around the country as a means of getting people to move and engage in mild forms of physical activities. Wii can be played by a single player just wanting to have some mild physical activity or up to 4 players as a social game.

What is nice about the Wii you do not have the weight of the ball, your fingers won’t get stuck in the holes, you do not have to rent shoes, or carry a golf bag around. Stop in Tuesdays or Thursdays afternoons Starting Jan. 20, 2009 and Wii will show you how to play!

My Life - My Words

This workshop explores the art of memory writing and putting your life experiences into words. Participants will be given many tools to help them generate ideas and words for the page. Exercises, writing prompts, and fun activities will help to aid in this often difficult process. Participants will also read and discuss a memoir during each class meeting. Workshop starts in March.

Writing & Food - Coffee & Chocolate

Nothing goes better with writing than food! This workshop will feature a little bit of writing and a whole lot of eating and drinking! Bring your pen, journal, and an appetite. Theme-centered prompts will help to inspire both thinking and writing. Workshop starts in February.